The first charter feels thrilling—until you open an empty suitcase and realise a yacht isn’t a hotel room on land. Space is considered. Surfaces matter. Wind, water, and sun rewrite dress codes. This is the first time yacht charter packing list that keeps you elegant on deck, comfortable at ancho,r and effortless ashore—and explains why each item earns its place.
Quick rule of thumb: soft-sided luggage, light layers, non-marking deck shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and less than you think.
Why packing for a yacht is different
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Space & storage: Cabins are beautifully designed but compact. Soft bags slide under berths; hard cases don’t.
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Surfaces: White decks + teak hate black rubber and stilettos; choose non-marking soles.
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Climate & breeze: Even in high summer, evenings at sea can be cool. Think light layers.
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Salt & spray: Waterproof pouches and dry bags protect phones, e-readers, and cameras on tender runs.
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Custom service: On crewed charters, many toiletries, towels, and hairdryers are provided—ask your broker/crew so you don’t overpack.
Clothing: the capsule that works everywhere
Build around breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, technical blends) in a neutral palette:
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Daytime on deck
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2–3 swimwear sets + cover-ups
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3–4 light shirts (linen or performance)
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2 shorts / 1 light skirt
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Non-marking deck shoes, boat shoes or clean white-soled trainers
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Hat with chin cord or snug brim (breeze matters)
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Polarized sunglasses (glare reduction = comfort)
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Evening / ashore
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1 linen blazer or lightweight jacket
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1–2 easy dresses or tailored trousers with a crisp shirt
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Loafers/espadrilles (no spikes, no black soles)
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Light scarf (surprisingly useful in wind/AC)
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Layering for breeze
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Fine merino or thin fleece
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Packable rain shell (Caribbean squalls, Med mistral)
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Underlayers
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Enough underwear to avoid daily laundry
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No-show socks (also great inside fins)
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What not to bring: bulky hoodies, heavy denim, stilettos, black-soled shoes, hard cases.
Footwear etiquette (first-timer lifesaver)
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Most yachts are barefoot or boat shoes only inside.
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On teak, dark soles and high heels mark and dent—leave them.
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Bring water shoes for rocky coves and reefy beaches.
Gear & personal essentials (the “works every time” list)
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Reef-safe sunscreen (crew will thank you; many yachts request it)
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After-sun or light aloe gel
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SPF lip balm
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Insect repellent (dusk ashore, mangroves, Caribbean)
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Seasickness options: acupressure bands, ginger candies; speak to your doctor about medication if you’re sensitive
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Prescription meds (duplicates in separate pouch)
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Basic first-aid (plasters, antiseptic wipes; yachts have kits, but your favourites travel well)
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Dry bag (10–15L) for tender runs
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Waterproof phone pouch
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Microfibre towel (handy for shore/swim toys, even if the yacht provides towels)
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Reusable water bottle
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Earplugs/eye mask (for lighter sleepers)
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Small laundry bag (keep sand/salt off wardrobes)
Tech & power (stay charged, stay offline when you want)
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Power bank + multi-port USB charger
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Cables for all devices (bring spares)
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International adapter (ask the crew about voltage; Med yachts often run 220V when on shore power)
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E-reader/tablet with offline playlists & books
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Compact camera if you care about low-light dinners at anchor
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Optional: laptop if you must work—ask about Wi-Fi plans before assuming constant bandwidth
Documents & money (the boring bit you’ll be glad you did)
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Passport (valid 6+ months) + visas if required
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Charter contract + itinerary + crew contact
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Travel insurance details (check that your policy covers yacht charter activities)
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Credit card + a little cash in local currency for shore tips and small marinas
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Driving licence (if you might rent a car)
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Skipper licence/sailing resume (for bareboat charters)
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A copy of your preference sheet (handy ashore)
Budgeting for onboard costs? Read our clear explainer on APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) before you travel.
Luxury, comfort & little delights (what elevates the trip)
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Linen pouch with a signature scent (rollerball; aerosols can stain)
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Silk pillowcase (tiny pack size; outsized comfort)
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Deck-friendly robe or kaftan
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Pack of cards, travel backgammon, or Kindle games
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Compact binoculars for spotting coves and dolphins
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Small foldable tote for markets and beach clubs
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A favourite snack/tea brand (clear with the chef first—provisioning is part of the service)
Things first-timers forget (and regret)
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Soft-sided luggage (then they wrestle a hard case all week)
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Non-marking shoes (black scuffs on day one = mood killer)
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Waterproof phone case (the day you need it is the day you don’t have it)
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Power strip (cabins have limited sockets)
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Light knit (sunset breeze is cooler than you expect)
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Reef-safe sunscreen (some yachts politely ban the other kind)
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Cash for small marinas (not everyone loves cards)
Crewed vs Bareboat: Do I pack differently?
Crewed charter
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Pack less—the yacht provides towels, toiletries, hairdryer, and robes on many boats.
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Prioritise evening wear you’ll actually enjoy ashore.
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Comfort items (pillowcase, scarf, eye mask) get used daily.
Bareboat charter
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Pack sailing gloves, headlamp (red-light mode), and extra microfibre towel.
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A compact first-aid top-up (your preferred seasickness solution, plasters, rehydration tabs).
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Confirm the inventory (linens, galley kit, snorkel sets) with your operator; bring gaps.
Mediterranean vs Caribbean (micro-adjust your list)
Mediterranean
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Dry heat, strong sun, cooler evenings → add light jacket
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City dinners → smarter casual (linen blazer, relaxed dress)
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Harbours can be formal—closed-toe loafers read right
Caribbean
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Humid heat, tropical showers → add rain shell
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Insect repellent is more useful
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Water shoes for reefy beaches; bright resort wear is perfectly at home
Kids & teens: what actually gets used
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Rash-guard tops + sun hats with neck flaps
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Polarized kids’ sunglasses (strap helps)
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Favourite snacks and small games (magnetic travel sets)
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Extra microfibre towels and a named water bottle
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Seasickness bands or paediatric guidance from your doctor
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Check with the crew on lifejacket sizes and any water toy rules
What the yacht already provides (ask once, pack smarter)
Most crewed yachts provide: bath and deck towels, basic toiletries, hairdryer, snorkel gear, robes/slippers (varies), and of course, laundry service on many boats. A quick pre-trip note to the captain or broker trims your list by half.
What not to pack (seriously)
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Hard suitcases
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Heels and black-soled shoes
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Bulky speakers (the yacht has a system)
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Candles/incense (fire risk)
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Messy self-tan (stains soft furnishings)
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Drones without checking local regulations and the captain’s policy
Pro packing method (so you never rummage)
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Build a capsule wardrobe: 2 bottoms × 4 tops × 2 shoes = 16 looks
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Use packing cubes (deck/day, evening, swim/shore)
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Roll garments; keep a laundry pouch for anything damp
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Put tender-run items (dry bag, pouch, sunglasses, hat) together by the door
Here’s the complete first-time yacht charter packing list you can copy and adapt
Clothing: swimwear x3, cover-ups x2, light shirts x3–4, shorts/skirt x2, evening dress/trousers x2, linen blazer/light jacket, scarf, socks/underwear, sleepwear.
Footwear: non-marking deck shoes, espadrilles/loafers, water shoes.
Sun & care: reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun/aloe, SPF lip balm, hat, polarized sunglasses. (Whenever possible, choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life — many destinations and yachts now encourage or require it.)
Health: seasickness option, personal meds (duplicates), small first-aid, hand sanitiser, wipes.
Waterproofing: dry bag, phone pouch, microfibre towel.
Tech: power bank, multi-USB charger, cables/spares, adapter, e-reader/tablet, camera.
Docs & money: passport, visas, insurance, contract/itinerary, cards + cash, driving licence, skipper licence (bareboat).
Nice-to-have: silk pillowcase, tote, compact binoculars, cards/backgammon, favourite tea/snack.
FAQ: first-timer questions we hear most
These are the most common questions we get from readers using our first time yacht charter packing list or preparing for their first voyage.
What bag should I bring on a yacht?
A soft-sided duffel or holdall. It stows under berths and won’t scuff cabinetry. Hard cases are awkward and noisy in tight spaces.
Do I need shoes on board?
Often, you’ll go barefoot inside and wear non-marking boat shoes on deck. Keep street shoes for going ashore.
Will I get seasick?
Most guests are fine, especially on larger yachts in settled weather. If you’re concerned, bring non-drowsy remedies and talk to your doctor in advance; ginger and acupressure bands help some people.
Do yachts supply towels and toiletries?
For a full overview of what’s worth bringing yourself, see our first time yacht charter packing list above.
What’s the dress code at night?
Smart-casual works everywhere: linen, cotton, espadrilles. In the Med, a light blazer reads well ashore; in the Caribbean, resort-casual is standard.
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